Borno Commissioner Finally Apologises Over ‘Cut Off Opposition Fingers’ Remark

Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youths and Sports, Saina Buba, has formally apologised over his controversial remarks in which he threatened to “cut off” the fingers of those who oppose the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Buba issued the apology on Wednesday in Maiduguri, days after the comments made at an empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement triggered public criticism.

Speaking at a briefing with journalists at his office, the commissioner said his remarks were not intended to undermine the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of choice and association.

“In recent days, a comment I made during the empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri has generated considerable concern within the public space,” Buba said.

He maintained that the statement was not intended to be interpreted literally, noting that he had previously attempted to clarify its meaning.

“However, in view of the concern it has continued to generate, I am using this medium to retract my earlier statement formally and to apologise to the entire people of Borno State and beyond for any offence it may have caused,” he added.

The commissioner also distanced his remarks from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum, saying they did not reflect the values of the party or the state government.

“Let me state in categorical terms that my comment does not in any way represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” he said.

Buba stressed that the Zulum administration respected the rights of citizens and had maintained a democratic posture throughout its tenure.

The controversy followed remarks in which the commissioner warned critics of the Borno government against continued opposition to the administration.

“Whoever raises their fingers against us, we will do the same to them. If you raise your fingers again, we will cut them off,” he had said.

He had also told supporters to “follow us and drink the honey,” while warning that those who did not support the administration would face consequences.

The comments subsequently became part of a police investigation into alleged inciting statements by political actors in Borno, the Federal Capital Territory and Osun State.

Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed on Tuesday at a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja that the police had commenced investigations into alleged inciting comments attributed to Buba, Danjuma Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje Area Council in the FCT, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East.

According to Iniedu, statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly in connection with electoral matters, could constitute criminal offences.

“The law is very clear when it comes to inciting. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process,” Iniedu said.

He disclosed that he was part of the team that questioned Fadahunsi over an alleged threat against members of the Accord Party.

Iniedu said investigations into the allegations against the three political actors remained ongoing, with the police expected to make the outcome public.

“The Nigerian Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order, and we will not shy away from this responsibility, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

The police subsequently urged political stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of provoking violence or threatening public peace.